Auto-reset belly for a military vehicle

ABSTRACT

An auto-reset belly for a military vehicle capable of controlled deformation upon receiving a explosive force and automatic reformation upon dissipation of the force is disclosed. The device includes a top panel, first and second side panels, and first and second lower panels, all sequentially connected to form a hexagonal barrier. Along the connected panel edges in some embodiments, the panels are crenellated, interlocking to form hinged joints which are held together by a plurality of hinge rods. The hexagonal configuration has an initial apex and defines an interior volume with a biasing support within the interior volume. In some embodiments, the initial apex is adjustable and the biasing support automatically returns the hexagonal configuration to the initial apex.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present device relates to V-shaped underbelly armor for militaryvehicles. Specifically, the device relates to deformable V-shapedunderbelly armor for military vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Tactical armored patrol vehicles, and in particular military supportvehicles, are usually designed so as to protect passengers locatedwithin a vehicle cabin from threats. Such threats are not only fromabove or the sides of the vehicle, but also from below in the form ofexplosive devices. In places like Iraq and Afghanistan, mines andexplosive devices are commonly placed on roadways, buried under dirt,gravel, or sand, in vehicular wheel pathways, such that when a vehiclecrosses over them, they detonate. The detonations can cause catastrophicdamage to the underbelly of the vehicle, thereby endangering passengerswithin the cabin. To protect against such threats, the underbelly of thevehicle is typically reinforced with, e.g., steel plates, reinforcingribs, a V-shaped underbelly or a combination of these features.

The use of a V-shaped underbelly is intended to reduce deformation ofthe belly of the vehicle as a result of an explosion beneath thevehicle. The V-shape underbelly concept is a successful design whichfirst deflects a portion of the explosive energy away from the vehicleand second, structurally absorbs the explosive energy through thepermanent deformation of the underbelly inward toward the floor of thepassenger cabin. However effective this design has been, there are stillcircumstances in which the vehicle is rendered disabled by theexplosion. Accordingly, the increased survivability of the passengersfrom the explosion is potentially negated by the inability of thevehicle and its passengers to escape the zone of attack.

The present device is intended to provide that extra measure ofprotection where the prior art devices have failed. The present devicenot only protects the passengers within the vehicle, but also allows thevehicle to remain mobile for escape from the zone of attack. Further, ifin the act of such an escape the vehicle should encounter additionalexplosive devices, the present device continues to deflect and absorbthe explosive force of each detonation so that the passengers may bedelivered to safety.

SUMMARY

There is disclosed herein an improved system and method for an automaticreset underbelly for a military vehicle which avoids the disadvantagesof prior systems while affording additional structural and operatingadvantages.

Generally speaking, an auto-reset underbelly for a military vehicle isdisclosed which comprises a top panel, first and second side panels, andfirst and second lower panels, all sequentially connected to form ahexagonal barrier. Along the connected panel edges, the panels arecrenellated, interlocking to form hinged joints which are held togetherby a plurality of hinge rods. The hexagonal configuration has an initialapex and defines an interior volume with a biasing support within theinterior volume. In some embodiments, the initial apex is adjustable andthe biasing support automatically returns the hexagonal configuration tothe initial apex.

In various embodiments of the present device, the biasing supportcomprises one of either at least one piston attached to the third andfourth hinged joints, at least one piston attached to the first andsecond side panels, at least one piston attached to the top panel andthe fifth hinged joint, or at least one pair of pistons with an end ofeach attached to the fifth hinged joint and another end of one of eachpiston attached to the first and second hinged joints. The pistons areone of either push cylinders, pull cylinders, or a combination of thetwo.

In other embodiments of the device, reinforcement in the form metalstructures are used on the first lower panel and on the second lowerpanel, and/or attached to the top panel. In some embodiments, thepanels, hinge rods, and the reinforcements are comprised ofhigh-strength ballistic steel. To minimize overall weight, thereinforcements on the first and second lower panels may have holestherein.

A method for protecting a personnel cabin and/or the propulsion systemof a military vehicle is also disclosed. In an embodiment, the methodcomprises the steps of attaching a deformable device to the belly of thevehicle, wherein the device comprises a plurality of panels defining aninterior space, generally as described above. The device is located, insome embodiments, parallel or transverse to the vehicle frame anddirectly below the personnel cabin. Alternatively, the device mayenclose the propulsion system of the vehicle, or parts thereof.

When an explosive device is encountered and detonated by the vehicle,the device deforms by operation of the hinged joints to absorb the forceof the explosion. Further, the V-shaped surface of the device deflects aportion of the force as well. Through operation of the biasing support,the panels are automatically returned to the original hexagonalconfiguration after the explosion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a five-plate underbelly made in accordance withan embodiment described herein;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternate embodiment described herein;

FIG. 4 is a side view of another alternate embodiment described herein;and

FIG. 5 is a side view of still another alternate embodiment describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, there are illustrated several embodiments of afive panel underbelly device, generally designated by the numeral 10, aswell as the various steps or components thereof. The method and device10 are designed for use in combination with a military vehicle,particularly a vehicle which is used in war-zones for transportingpersonnel or cargo. However, other military vehicles may also beretro-fitted with embodiments of the present device to protect bothmilitary personnel as well as components of the propulsion system (e.g.,drive axles, engine, etc.). The V-shaped configuration of the lowersurfaces of the device 10 provide a deflective feature used in prior artunderbelly devices.

Generally speaking, the device 10 includes a plurality of panels 12hinged together and affixed to the belly or cabin floor 14 of a militaryvehicle (not shown). The panels 12 are connected along crenellated sides16, 17 by hinge pins 18 and are configured to define an interior space20 which houses a biasing member 22 attached to a hinged joint 26, apanel 12, or a combination of the two. The combination of hinged joints26 and an internal biasing member 22 provides articulated deformationand automatic reset of the device 10.

FIG. 1 is an embodiment having five panels, top panel 12A, first sidepanel 12B, second side panel 12C, first lower panel 12D, and secondlower panel 12E. Each panel has first and second crenellated edges 16,17, respectively, which interlock to form hinges between adjacent panelsand are held together by hinge pin 18. The five-panel device 10 forms ahexagonal configuration with an interior space 20. Two biasing members,which in the present embodiment are pull-cylinders 23, mount within thespace 20. The pull-cylinders 23 may be powered pneumatically,hydraulically, or by coil-springs or the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the top panel 12A of the device 10 ispositioned adjacent and mounted to a cabin floor 14 of the vehicle (notshown). The floor section for attachment of the device 10 may be below apersonnel cabin, a cargo area, an engine compartment, or components of apropulsion system, including the fuel tank. The attachment (not shown)may be accomplished in any known manner, such as bolting, welding,clamping or the like. Connecting in an interlocked manner to the firstcrenellated side 16A of the top panel 12A is the first side panel 12Bvia a first crenellated side 16B. The connection forms a first hingedjoint 26A including hinge pin 18A. Likewise, a first crenellated side16C of the second side panel 12C is connected in an interlocked mannerwith the second crenellated side 17A of the top panel 12A. Theconnection forms a second hinged joint 26B, including hinge pin 18B. Thesecond crenellated side 17B of the first side panel 12B is connected inan interlocked manner with the first crenellated side 16D of the firstlower panel 12D. Likewise, the second crenellated side 17C of the secondside panel 12C is connected in an interlocked manner with the firstcrenellated side 16E of the second lower panel 12E. These twoconnections form a third hinged joint 26C and a fourth hinged joint 26D,respectively, including hinge pins 18C and 18D. Finally, the secondcrenellated side 17D of the first lower panel 12D is connected in aninterlocked manner with the second crenellated side 17E of the secondlower panel 12E to form a fifth hinged joint 26E and complete thehexagonal configuration of the device 10.

The multiple-paneled device 10 defines an interior space 20 the entiretyof which may be deformed by operation of the hinged joints 26 inresponse to an exterior force. An example deformation is illustrated bythe broken-lined device 10 of FIG. 2. A biasing member, such aspull-cylinder 23, is positioned within the interior space 20 of thedevice 10 to effect the automatic return of the device configuration. Inthe present embodiment, the pull-cylinder 23 is attached by one end tothe third hinged joint 26C and by another end to the fourth hinged joint26D. The biasing member acts as a damper as well, controlling throughresistance the maximum upward articulation 30—i.e., degree ofdeformation—of the device 10.

Each hinged joint includes a plurality of grease fittings 28 tofacilitate keeping the joints well-lubricated and properly reactive.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate alternative embodiments of the device 10. In eachof these embodiments, a vehicle drive shaft 32 is housed within theinterior space 20 of a longitudinally-mounted device 10. Vehicle axels(not shown) may also be housed in the interior space of atransversely-mounted device 10. Such internally mounted devices areprotected from the destructive forces of explosive devices. Each ofFIGS. 3-5 also includes a configuration in broken lines whichillustrates the approximate maximum articulation 30—i.e., deformation—ofthe device 10.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment having structuralreinforcement 34 on the top panel 12A and both first and second lowerpanels, 12B and 12C, respectively. The top panel reinforcement 34Acomprises lightening holes 36 which help reduce the weight of thereinforcement 34A without significantly reducing the structuralintegrity. The lower panel reinforcements, 34D and 34E, are hollow andasymmetrical, as shown. These dynamic-shaped structures significantlyincrease the strength of the device 10 and provide improved energydissipation capacity.

FIG. 5 illustrates another alternate embodiment having where the biasingmembers are pneumatic, hydraulic or spring-loaded push-cylinders 24. Thepush-cylinders 24 alternate along the length of the device, attachingone end to the fifth hinged joint 26E and the other end alternately tothe first hinged joint 26A and the second hinged joint 26B.

Each of the disclosed embodiments comprises a five panel device.However, with the desire to provide a V-shaped lower surface, otherconfigurations using more or less than five panels are possible.Further, the hinged joints of the present device are the product ofinterlocked crenellated sides and a securing hinge pin. Again,alternative designs are possible to produce similar articulated jointswhich respond properly to the exterior force of an explosion.

List of Elements

-   Underbelly device 10-   Panels 12

Top panel 12A

First side panel 12B

Second side panel 12C

First lower panel 12D

Second lower panel 12E

-   Belly (cabin floor) 14-   First crenellated side 16

Top panel first side 16A

First side panel first side 16B

Second side panel first side 16C

First lower panel first site 16D

Second lower panel first side 16E

-   Second crenellated side 17

Top panel second side 17A

First side panel second side 17B

Second side panel second side 17C

First lower panel second site 17D

Second lower panel second side 17E

-   Hinge pins 18A-18E-   Interior space 20-   Biasing member 22

pull cylinder 23

push cylinder 24

-   Hinged joint 26A-26E-   Grease fittings 28-   Maximum articulation 30-   Vehicle shaft 32-   Structured reinforcement 34

on Top panel 34A

on First lower panel 34D

on Second lower panel 34E

-   Structure holes 36

What is claimed is:
 1. An auto-reset underbelly for a military vehiclecomprising: a top panel having first and second crenellated sides; afirst side panel having first and second crenellated sides and attachedvia the first crenellated side interlocked to the first crenellated sideof the top panel to form a first hinged joint; a second side panelhaving first and second crenellated sides and attached via the firstcrenellated side interlocked to the second crenellated side of the toppanel to form a second hinged joint; a first lower panel having firstand second crenellated sides and attached via the first crenellated sideinterlocked to the second crenellated side of the first side panel toform a third hinged joint; a second lower panel having first and secondcrenellated sides and attached via the first crenellated sideinterlocked to the second crenellated side of the second side panel toform a fourth hinged joint and attached via the second crenellated sideinterlocked to the second crenellated side of the first lower panel toform a fifth hinged joint; a plurality of hinge rods, with at least onehinge rod passing through interlocked crenellations of adjacentconnected panels forming a hexagonal configuration having an initialapex and defining an interior volume; and a biasing support within theinterior volume; wherein, the initial apex is adjustable and the biasingsupport automatically returns the hexagonal configuration to the initialapex.
 2. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 1, wherein the biasingsupport comprises at least one piston attached to the third and fourthhinged joints.
 3. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 1, wherein thebiasing support comprises at least one piston attached to the first andsecond side panels.
 4. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 1, wherein thebiasing support comprises at least one piston attached to the top paneland the fifth hinged joint.
 5. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 1,wherein the biasing support comprises at least one pair of pistons withan end of each attached to the fifth hinged joint and another end of oneof each piston attached to the first and second hinged joints.
 6. Theauto-reset underbelly of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcement onthe first lower panel and a reinforcement on the second lower panel. 7.The auto-reset underbelly of claim 2, wherein the at least one piston isa pull cylinder.
 8. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 3, wherein the atleast one piston is a pull cylinder.
 9. The auto-reset underbelly ofclaim 4, wherein the at least one piston is a push cylinder.
 10. Theauto-reset underbelly of claim 5, wherein the at least one pair ofpistons are push cylinders.
 11. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 1,wherein the biasing support comprises one of either a push cylinder or apull cylinder.
 12. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 1, furthercomprising reinforcement attached to the top panel.
 13. The auto-resetunderbelly of claim 1, wherein the five panels are comprised ofhigh-strength ballistic steel.
 14. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 1,wherein the hinge rods are comprised of high-strength ballistic steel.15. The auto-reset underbelly of claim 6, wherein the reinforcements onthe first and second lower panels are solid.
 16. An auto-resetunderbelly armor system comprising: a plurality of solid panelsconnected to one another to enclose a volume; a plurality of articulatedjoints, each joint being positioned between two adjacent panels; abiasing member positioned within the enclosed volume of the solid panelsand attached to at least one of either one of the panels, one of thejoints, or a combination of a panel and a joint.
 17. The auto-resetunderbelly armor system of claim 16, wherein the number of panels is inthe range of three to nine.
 18. The auto-reset underbelly armor systemof claim 16, wherein the number of articulated joints is equal to thenumber of panels.
 19. The auto-reset underbelly armor system of claim17, wherein the number of articulated joints is equal to the number ofpanels.
 20. The auto-reset underbelly armor system of claim 16, whereinthe biasing member comprises at least one of either a push-cylinder anda pull-cylinder.
 21. The auto-reset underbelly armor system of claim 16,wherein the plurality of articulated joints comprises interlocking edgeson adjacent panels.
 22. The auto-reset underbelly armor system of claim21, wherein the interlocking edges on adjacent panels are crenellated.23. The auto-reset underbelly armor system of claim 22, wherein thearticulated joints further comprise hinge pins passing through theinterlocking edges.
 24. An underbelly armor system for attachment to amilitary vehicle having a cabin floor and a propulsion system, the armorsystem comprising: a top panel having first and second crenellated sidesand attached to the cabin floor of the military vehicle; a first sidepanel having first and second crenellated sides and attached via thefirst crenellated side interlocked to the first crenellated side of thetop panel to form a first hinged joint; a second side panel having firstand second crenellated sides and attached via the first crenellated sideinterlocked to the second crenellated side of the top panel to form asecond hinged joint; a first lower panel having first and secondcrenellated sides and attached via the first crenellated sideinterlocked to the second crenellated side of the first side panel toform a third hinged joint; a second lower panel having first and secondcrenellated sides and attached via the first crenellated sideinterlocked to the second crenellated side of the second side panel toform a fourth hinged joint and attached via the second crenellated sideinterlocked to the second crenellated side of the first lower panel toform a fifth hinged joint; a plurality of hinge rods, with at least onehinge rod passing through interlocked crenellations of adjacentconnected panels forming a hexagonal configuration having an initialapex and defining an interior volume; and a biasing support within theinterior volume; wherein, the initial apex is adjustable and the biasingsupport automatically returns the hexagonal configuration to the initialapex.
 25. The armor system of claim 24, wherein at least a portion ofthe propulsion system is enclosed within the interior volume.
 26. Thearmor system of claim 24, wherein a length of the apex is parallel to anaxel of the military vehicle.
 27. The armor system of claim 24, whereina length of the apex is transverse to an axel of the military vehicle.